Rug cleaning machine

ABSTRACT

A machine for cleaning rugs having one or more nozzles through which a high pressure fluid is injected into the pile of the rug to cause a cleaning reaction with the dirt therein. A vacuum, drawn through the machine, removes the dirt and fluid from the rug. The machine is provided with a plurality of wheels which extend below the lower skirt surface of the machine when it is not being used for cleaning so as to facilitate movement of the machine across a rug or other surface. The nozzle or nozzles through which the high pressure fluid is passed are positioned in the machine to receive such fluid from a plenum chamber. A piston-cylinder is positioned between rods upon which links carrying the machine wheels are mounted so as to simultaneously rotate the rods about their axes to raise the wheels. The cylinder is suitably connected to the plenum chamber so that when fluid enters the chamber, the piston and cylinder automatically react to withdraw the wheels into the machine so that the skirt rests directly upon the carpet, allowing more efficient utilization of the vacuum system.

United States Patent [1 1 3,654,662 [4 1 Apr. 11, 1972 Bates [54] RUG CLEANING MACHINE [72] Inventor: Leonard E. Bates, Torrance, Calif.

[73] Assignee: Cardic Machine Products, Inc., Inglewood,

Calif.

{22] Filed: June 15, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 46,069

[52] US. Cl ..15/302,15/314,15/322, 15/360 [51] Int. Cl. ..A47l 11/34 [58] FieldofSearch ..15/304,3l8,319,32l,322, 15/345, 346, 354, 357, 360, 405, 302

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,854,471 4/1932 l-loffmann ..15/304 X 1,880,257 10/1932 Kiefer ..15/304 X 2,309,325 1/1943 Merrill ..15/304 X 2,513,587 7/1950 Reeves ..15/319 1,519,192 12/1924 Dempsey ..15/357 X Primary Examiner-Edward L. Roberts Assistant ExaminerC. K. Moore Att0meySrnyth, Roston & Pavitt [57] ABSTRACT A machine for cleaning rugs having one or more nozzles through which a high pressure fluid is injected into the pile of the rug to cause a cleaning reaction with the dirt therein. A vacuum, drawn through the machine, removes the dirt and fluid from the rug. The machine is provided with a plurality of wheels which extend below the lower skirt surface of the machine when it is not being used for cleaning so as to facilitate movement of the machine across a rug or other surface. The nozzle or nozzles through which the high pressure fluid is passed are positioned in the machine to receive such fluid from a plenum chamber. A piston-cylinder is positioned between rods upon which links carrying the machine wheels are mounted so as to simultaneously rotate the rods about their axes to raise the wheels. The cylinder is suitably connected to the plenum chamber so that when fluid enters the chamber, the piston and cylinder automatically react to withdraw the wheels into the machine so that the skirt rests directly upon the carpet, allowing more efficient utilization of the vacuum system.

12 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEBAPR 11 I972 3. 654, 66 2 sum 1 nr 2 Q; ,rmx

,arramar RUG CLEANING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many machines are commercially available today for use in rug and carpet cleaning. A large number of these machines provide a means for injecting steam into the carpet material and withdrawing it therefrom, together with the dirt removed, by means of a vacuum. The most efficient use of such machines requires that the machine be provided with a skirt which rests directly upon the surface of the carpet; the machine must be heavy enough so that the skirt will form a seal" against the surface of the carpet pile so that the vacuum withdraws the dirt and fluid as it is dragged across the carpet.

Since such machines are therefore relatively heavy, when being placed in position for cleaning a carpet they must be dragged across floors and other surfaces, carried by two or more men, or provided with wheels which allow the machine to be rolled by one man. Obviously, the latter solution is the most practical from the standpoint of prevention of damage and economical use of labor.

A few of the machines which have been provided with wheels have been manufactured in such a way that the wheels prevent the skirt from completely forming the seal with the rug and therefore, have prevented efficient operation. On the other hand, many of the wheeled machines have been provided with some linkage system which allows the operator to withdraw the wheels into the machine so that the seal can be formed. Although this provides for efficient use of the machine, the operator must expend time and energy to manually raise and lower the wheels each time he desires it to be accomplished.

Such machines are utilized by lowering the machine into the sealed position at a first edge of the carpet, drawing it completely across the carpet to a second edge, lowering the wheels to raise the machine from the sealed position, moving it back to the first side of the carpet in a position immediately adjacent the first path, lowering the machine into the sealed position, and repeating the cycle. When such machines are provided with manual linkage for raising and lowering the wheels, the operator must positively actuate the linkage at least twice during each cycle. This becomes difficult and tiring, especially when working in confined areas. Further such linkage systems often require that the operator exert energy to positively maintain the wheels in one of the two positions, such as by gripping a lever. Since he must raise the wheels, start the fluid injection, and drag the machine nearly simultaneously, it becomes very difficult to accomplish all three functions without over-wetting the edge of the carpet by starting to drag too late, or not cleaning the edge by either starting the fluid injection or raising the wheels at a time after the dragging stroke has been started.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises the concept of providing an automatic device to raise and lower the wheels of such a carpet cleaning machine in accordance with a signal generated by the machine during its normal usage cycle.

A plurality of wheels are mounted on links which are attached to rods fastened within the machine so as to rotate about parallel axes. A spring is utilized to normally maintain the wheels in the lowered position so that the machine can easily be moved by the operator without help and without damaging the surfaces across which it is moved. When fluid pressure is delivered to the nozzles for injection into the pile of the rug, that pressure acts upon a piston-cylinder arrangement positioned between the parallel rods, causing them to rotate about their axes in opposition to the spring force. The rotation of the rods withdraws the wheels into the machine. When the operator stops applying the fluid to the carpet, the pressure in the cylinder is released and the spring causes the wheels to return into the extended position, raising the machine skirt from contact with the carpet.

In a machine utilizing this concept, the operator is required only to position the machine, control the injection of fluid into the carpet, and draw it across the surface of the carpet. He is not required to raise and lower the machine since this is accomplished automatically. Therefore, the edges of the carpet will be more efficiently cleaned since the operator is required to accomplish only a single step, that of applying the fluid, prior to drawing the machine across the carpet.

Further objects, advantages, modes, and embodiments of the invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art through reference to the Detailed Description and accompanying drawings which illustrate what is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment of the best mode contemplated for utilizing the novel principles set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a machine which may be utilized in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the base of the machine illustrated in FIG. 1, taken approximately along the center line thereof;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the base of the machine shown in FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate the relative positions of the preferred embodiment of the wheel positioning means, as seen from the same side of the machine as shown in FIG. 1, showing the wheels in the retracted and extended positions, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION As shown in Figure 1, one embodiment of a carpet cleaning machine utilizing the present invention is generally illustrated at 11. The machine comprises a cleaning head 13 to which a bifurcated handle 15 is attached for moving the machine as well as for carrying the operator-actuated machine controls. Control signals between the machine and a main power unit (not shown) are transmitted through a suitable cord 17 and cleaning fluid of any suitable type, such as water and solvents, are provided by means of a hose 19 having an end 21 which is suitably fastened to the head 13. A pair of front wheels 23 and a rear wheel 25 support the machine when they extend below the skirt 27 of the head 13. When the wheels are extended, as shown, the machine may easily be pushed to the left or pulled to the right, as viewed in FIG. 1, by exerting a force against the upper end of handle 15. When the edge of the carpet is reached by pushing to the left, and a cleaning stroke cycle is to be commenced, the wheels are retracted into the head, in a manner to be described, and, with the skirt 27 in contact with the carpet pile, the operator can draw the machine across the carpet toward the right by pulling on handle 15. During the drawing portion of the cycle, cleaning fluid enters the head through the hose 19 and is injected into the carpet in the form of a mist; the cleaning fluid and dirt are removed from the carpet through the head by means of a vacuum hose 29 for delivery to a sump (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 2 and 3, the cleaning head 13 comprises a body or housing 31 to which the remaining components are suitably fastened. The cleaning fluids are delivered to the body through the hose end 21 which is fastened thereto by means of any suitable fitting such as that shown at 33. Within the housing, the fluids are passed from the fitting to a plenum chamber 35 by a hose 37. The plenum chamber 35 is formed within an inner housing member 39 which is fastened to the body 31 by any suitable means. The inner housing 39 is sealed to the body by any desired sealing compound throughout the interface thereof. A vacuum chamber 41 is formed between the body and the inner housing and communicates with the vacuum hose 29 which is suitably fastened to the body such as by a fitting 43.

The cleaning fluids are delivered to the plenum chamber 35 under pressure and are injected into the carpet pile by one or more nozzles 45 which restrict the passage of the fluid to such an extent that it is injected into the pile in the form of a mist. A pressure shoe 47 is suitably fastened to the inner housing 39 below the plenum chamber 35 by any suitable means such as bolts 49. The pressure shoe extends below and forward of the nozzles 45 so as to aid in controlling the direction and angle at which the mist leaving the nozzles 45 is injected into the carpet pile. This results in an even wetting of the carpet and prevents streaking due to uneven wetting which might otherwise occur. Additionally, the pressure shoe keeps the nozzles 45 from coming into contact with the carpet so as to prevent any possible tearing of the material or damage to the nozzles.

A combing shoe 51 is mounted on the forward edge of the inner housing 39 by any suitable means such as bolts 53. The lower edge of the combing shoe extends slightly below the lower edge of the skirt 27 so that, as the machine is moved to the left and the cleaning mist is injected into the carpet behind the combing shoe, the passage of the shoe over the pile will cause it to tend to spring up into the vacuum chamber 41, thereby aiding in removal of the fluid and dirt from the carpet.

The pressure within the plenum chamber 35 may be determined by the operator by reading a gauge 55 which is connected to the chamber by a hose 57. The amount of vacuum being drawn through the hose 29 may also be read by the operator on a gauge 59 which is connected to the vacuum chamber by a hose 61.

Now with reference to FIG. 2-5, a front rod 63 and a rear rod 65 are mounted in the housing 31 to extend completely across the inner cavity within the housing. Each of the rods is fastened to the housing at its ends by any suitable means such as a bolt 67 which allows the rod to rotate about its axis.

Each of the front wheels 23 are attached to a first link 69 and a second link 71 by a pin 73 about which the wheel may rotate. As shown in FIG. 4, the first links 69 connect the pins 73 to the rod 63 and are suitably fixed to the rod 63 for rotation therewith by any suitable means, such as welding. The second links 71 are generally shown as being triangular in shape and each one also extends from a pin 73 to the rod 63 and is suitably fastened to the rod such as by welding.

Although shown on the left-hand side of the housing in FIG. 3, either of the links 71 may also be attached to an extension or tongue 75 of a cylinder 71 is suitably fastened by a pin 80 (FIGS. 4 and to a forward spring guide plate 81 over which a spring 83 is mounted. A third set of links 85 (FIG. 3) are also fixedly mounted for rotation with the shaft 63 so as to maintain the axes of pins 79 and 80 parallel to the axis of rod 63.

Although the cylinder 77 and spring 83 have been shown as being mounted in close connection with the wheels 23, it will, of course, be realized that they may be connected to the rod 63 anywhere along the length thereof in any suitable manner which will allow the rod 63 to be rotated about its axis so as to move the wheels 23 between the positions illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

A piston 87 within the cylinder 77 is formed having a piston rod 89 which is fastened by a pin 91 (FIG. 2) to a pair of links 93 which are fixedly mounted for rotation with the rod 65.

Spring 83 is suitably fitted upon a rear spring guide plate 93 (FIG. 2) which is fastened by a pin 94 (FIGS. 4 and 5) to a pair of links 95 which are also fixedly mounted for rotation with rod 65. A mounting plate 97 is also fixedly mounted for rotation with rod 65 and carries the wheel 25 in a swivel mounting 99 so that the operator may easily change the direction of movement of the machine as he pushes it.

In operation, a hose 111 transmits the force of the pressure in plenum chamber 35 to the cylinder 77, causing the piston rod 89 to be withdrawn into the cylinder. Acting through the links 71, 85, and 93, this contraction of the piston and cylinder causes the forward rod 63 to rotate clockwise and the rear rod 65 to rotate counterclockwise as viewed in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. Since the links 69 and 71 are fixedly mounted on the front rod and the mounting plate 97 is fixedly mounted on the rear rod, this rotation of the rods will cause the wheels 23 and 25 to be withdrawn into the housing and above the lower surface of the skirt to the position shown in FIG. 4. The wheels are maintained in this position so long as there is sufficient pressure within plenum chamber 35 to maintain the piston and cylinder in the contracted position.

When the operator stops the cleaning fluid from being pumped into the plenum chamber 35, the pressure therein, and in the cylinder 77, will begin to be reduced. At that time the spring 83, acting between the spring guide plates 81 and 93 will bias the links 71, 85, and so that the front rod 63 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction and rear rod 65 is rotated in the clockwise direction. This will cause the wheels 23 and 25 to be extended from the housing and below the level of skirt 27 to the position shown in FIG. 5.

Thus, when the wheels are in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the operator can push on the handle and the machine can easily be moved toward the left, as shown in those figures, until it reaches the end of the carpet. The operator may then cause cleaning fluids to be pumped into the plenum chamber 35, causing an automatic retraction of the wheels into the housing. He may then pull upon the handle, drawing the machine toward the right, as shown in FIG. 1, causing the mist to be injected into the carpet pile and the cleaning fluids and dirt to be completely removed therefrom by the vacuum, due to the interaction of the skirt 27 and the combing shoe 51.

Thus the applicant has provided an embodiment of a new and improved concept in the carpet cleaning art which yields a true advance in that art. Many modifications and alternations of that embodiment, as well as other embodiments, utilizing the concepts of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Wherefore, what is claimed as the invention is:

1. A machine for cleaning a surface material comprising a body,

means in said body for injecting cleaning fluid under pressure into the surface material,

means for supporting said body in an elevated position relative to the surface material including roller means for moving said body along the surface material, and

means for lowering said body into a position such that said roller means are withdrawn into said body, and said body is in contact with the surface material, in response to delivery of a cleaning fluid under pressure to said injection means.

2. The machine of claim 1 including means in said body for removing dirt and injected cleaning fluid from the surface material.

3. The machine of claim 1 including vacuum means in said body for removing dirt and injected cleaning fluid from the surface material and means in said body for forming a seal between the surface material and said vacuum means.

4. A machine for cleaning a carpet comprising a body havmg a cavity therein which is open at one side of said body,

means for sealing the periphery of said cavity to a carpet to be cleaned,

means for injecting a cleaning fluid under pressure into the pile of the carpet,

means for delivering a cleaning fluid to said injection means,

means for supporting said body relative to the carpet so that said cavity is prevented from being sealed thereto by said sealing means, and

means for lowering said body into a position adjacent said carpet in response to fluid under pressure being delivered to said injection means so that said cavity is sealed thereto by said sealing means.

5. The machine of claim 4 including means in said supporting means providing elements on which said body may be rolled across the carpet when fluid is not being delivered to said injection means.

6. The machine of claim 4 including vacuum means in said body for withdrawing dirt and injected fluid from the carpet when fluid is being delivered to said injection means.

7. The machine of claim 6 including carpet pile brushing means in said body and extending said cavity to cause carpet pile to spring up into said vacuum means.

8. The machine of claim 4 including means for preventing said injection means from contacting the carpet when said sealing means is in contact therewith.

9. The machine of claim 4 wherein said supporting means include rolling means through which said machine may be moved,

a plurality of rotatable rods mounted within said cavity, and

link means fixing said rolling means to said rods.

10. The machine of claim 9 wherein said lowering means comprise a cylinder means attached to said link means on at least one of said rods,

a piston extending from said cylinder and attached to said link means on at least another of said rods, and

means for creating a pressure within said cylinder to cause rotation of said rods and movement of said rolling means between positions in which they are entirely within said cavity and positions in which they extend from said cavity beyond the limits of the periphery of said sealing means.

11. The machine of claim 10 including means for maintaining such fluid under pressure prior to passage thereof through said injection means, and

means connecting said pressure maintaining means to said cylinder means so that said cylinder means is actuated to withdraw said rolling means into said cavity when fluid is in said pressure maintaining means.

12. The machine of claim 10 including spring means attached to said link means on at least one of said rods so as to bias said rolling means into the opposite position from that to which they are actuated when said rods are rotated by said cylinder means. 

1. A machine for cleaning a surface material comprising a body, means in said body for injecting cleaning fluid under pressure into the surface material, means fOr supporting said body in an elevated position relative to the surface material including roller means for moving said body along the surface material, and means for lowering said body into a position such that said roller means are withdrawn into said body, and said body is in contact with the surface material, in response to delivery of a cleaning fluid under pressure to said injection means.
 2. The machine of claim 1 including means in said body for removing dirt and injected cleaning fluid from the surface material.
 3. The machine of claim 1 including vacuum means in said body for removing dirt and injected cleaning fluid from the surface material and means in said body for forming a seal between the surface material and said vacuum means.
 4. A machine for cleaning a carpet comprising a body having a cavity therein which is open at one side of said body, means for sealing the periphery of said cavity to a carpet to be cleaned, means for injecting a cleaning fluid under pressure into the pile of the carpet, means for delivering a cleaning fluid to said injection means, means for supporting said body relative to the carpet so that said cavity is prevented from being sealed thereto by said sealing means, and means for lowering said body into a position adjacent said carpet in response to fluid under pressure being delivered to said injection means so that said cavity is sealed thereto by said sealing means.
 5. The machine of claim 4 including means in said supporting means providing elements on which said body may be rolled across the carpet when fluid is not being delivered to said injection means.
 6. The machine of claim 4 including vacuum means in said body for withdrawing dirt and injected fluid from the carpet when fluid is being delivered to said injection means.
 7. The machine of claim 6 including carpet pile brushing means in said body and extending said cavity to cause carpet pile to spring up into said vacuum means.
 8. The machine of claim 4 including means for preventing said injection means from contacting the carpet when said sealing means is in contact therewith.
 9. The machine of claim 4 wherein said supporting means include rolling means through which said machine may be moved, a plurality of rotatable rods mounted within said cavity, and link means fixing said rolling means to said rods.
 10. The machine of claim 9 wherein said lowering means comprise a cylinder means attached to said link means on at least one of said rods, a piston extending from said cylinder and attached to said link means on at least another of said rods, and means for creating a pressure within said cylinder to cause rotation of said rods and movement of said rolling means between positions in which they are entirely within said cavity and positions in which they extend from said cavity beyond the limits of the periphery of said sealing means.
 11. The machine of claim 10 including means for maintaining such fluid under pressure prior to passage thereof through said injection means, and means connecting said pressure maintaining means to said cylinder means so that said cylinder means is actuated to withdraw said rolling means into said cavity when fluid is in said pressure maintaining means.
 12. The machine of claim 10 including spring means attached to said link means on at least one of said rods so as to bias said rolling means into the opposite position from that to which they are actuated when said rods are rotated by said cylinder means. 